refer to
verb
referred to; referring to; refers to
1
: to look at or in (something) for information
She often refers to her notes when giving a speech.
Please refer to our website for more information.
2
: to have a direct connection or relationship to (something)
The word "finch" refers to a kind of bird.
The numbers shown in the text refer to footnotes at the bottom of the page.
3
: to talk about or write about (someone or something) especially briefly : to mention (someone or something) in speech or in writing
No one referred to the incident.
Examples of refer to in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Maradona turn Some call it the ‘roulette’, while others refer to it as the ‘360-degree spin’.
—
Stuart James, New York Times, 16 June 2026
An agency spokesperson declined to discuss a specific taxpayer's account but said the matter was referred to the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service.
—Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 15 June 2026
The title refers to the street number of Crystal’s home that was destroyed in the fire.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 June 2026
The Stockyards neighborhood is proud to refer to the local tradition of cowboyhood and the Wild West.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer to
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Stuart James, New York Times, 16 June 2026
An agency spokesperson declined to discuss a specific taxpayer's account but said the matter was referred to the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service.
—Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 15 June 2026
The title refers to the street number of Crystal’s home that was destroyed in the fire.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 June 2026
The Stockyards neighborhood is proud to refer to the local tradition of cowboyhood and the Wild West.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer to
Cite this Entry
“Refer to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refer%20to. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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